Robert Heyward
Local government across NSW is set for a major shake-up, with new rules designed to restore community confidence and ensure council meetings are conducted more openly.
The Minns Labor Government has released a new Model Code of Meeting Practice, which will come into effect from 1 January 2026. Councils must adopt the updated rules, which aim to simplify meeting procedures, tackle disorder more effectively, and guarantee decisions are made in full view of the public.
Key reforms include: banning private councillor briefings on matters that should be debated publicly, requiring councils to explain planning decisions that go against staff advice, and ensuring information from closed meetings is released once it is no longer confidential. Councils will also need to live stream meetings, with recordings kept publicly accessible for the remainder of the council term.
Mayors will be given stronger powers to remove disruptive councillors or members of the public, while general managers will be required to act with greater neutrality.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said the changes will help restore dignity to council chambers.
“Decisions must be made in full view of the community. These changes provide mechanisms to prevent disorder and keep councillors focused on their core responsibility,” he said.
The reforms form part of a wider effort to strengthen integrity in local government, including a forthcoming new Code of Conduct and legislative updates to address misconduct more effectively.
